Traffic, supervision, admission policy and liability were some of the questions raised by zoning officials Thursday regarding Ralph Osborne’s proposal to open a teen center near Chesterton’s downtown.

The town’s Board of Zoning Appeals set a public hearing for March 25 on two variances needed for the project. Last night was a preliminary hearing on the requests.

Osborne, of Chesterton, said he volunteered at a youth center in Lansing and was a Little League baseball manager. He doesn’t want to open a loud, dark, foggy hang-out, he told the BZA. “I’m looking at a recreation center, a fun center ---- a Chucky Cheese for teenagers.”

If a use variance to open the business at 136 Grant St. and a second variance to allow fewer parking spaces than required are approved, Osborne plans to spend about $35,000 to renovate the 6,000 square-foot building owned by Lake County Trust No. 4220.

Osborne’s attorney, Greg Babcock, said the former garment factory has been vacant for one year. Because a teen recreational center is not listed in the town zoning table, “Wherever we’d find a building we’re not a permitted use, but the layout, size and location are an attractive use here.”

The teen center would cater to youth ages 12 to 17; a current student identification card would be required to enter. Any student with a school ID, whether from Valparaiso or St. Patrick, would be welcome.

BZA member Thomas Browne asked about home-schooled teens who wouldn’t have an ID card, whether the Fire Department will review the site to assure an emergency exit plan is in place, and who would supervise the center.

Osborne said the parent/guardian of a home-schooled teen could provide the necessary information for admission to the teen center; after the meeting he said he will offer VIP memberships with discounts and special rates for all teens.

As for the fire issue, town building commissioner Dave Novak said the plans are being reviewed by department heads. Osborne said he will be at the teen center full-time, and family members and hired security would be called on to help as needed.

BZA member Rodney Corder was told the building’s occupancy is 248 persons. Corder said if 150 parents come at the same time to get their children, “How are you going to get that many cars through that bottleneck there?”

Babcock said town police will be consulted about traffic control. A parking lot at Wabash Avenue and 2nd Street north of the teen center is included with the property and would provide it a total 41 parking spaces. Town code requires 83 necessitating the 42-space variance.

BZA member Sig Niepokoj asked if parking spaces for the South Shore railroad car property south of the proposed teen center could be used as overflow parking. Babcock said that will be addressed March 25.

Niepokoj also noted the proximity of several residences in the area. The garment factory itself is in a Business-2 zone.

Town engineer Mark O’Dell said the teen center’s proposed hours would have to conform to town curfew. The center would be open seven days a week and offer general seating areas, multiple televisions, video games, air hockey, pool tables, mini-basketball, a dance floor and a small concession stand.

BZA member Fred Owens and president Kim Goldak both said a teen center is a great idea for the town.

Owens said the youth-oriented T and T Gaming, which required BZA approval, has been a good neighbor on Broadway; 150 cars in downtown Chesterton at night would be a nice problem to have, he added, although the teen center will have to address noise at night.

Goldak said she is concerned about liability for the town with so many teens in an enclosed location.

Babcock said Osborne will provide proof of insurance. After the meeting Osborne said teens at the center won’t be asked to sign participation forms although rules of the establishment will be posted.

In other business, the BZA continued a preliminary hearing for Robert Zakhur as property owner of a commercial building at 1583 S. Calumet Rd. Deborah Grimaldi of Tiger Martial Arts, located there, is seeking permission to increase the square footage of signage allowed to install a digital printed sign.

Associate BZA attorney Julie Paulson said there are a number of incorrect or missing items in Grimaldi’s petition paperwork, and she was encouraged to meet with Novak to sort out the details.

Goldak also asked Grimaldi to discuss her proposed sign with Zakhur, who Goldak noted was granted seven variances in 2007 related to signs for his building. “The board very leniently gave it to him because we want to work with the business owners (but) he’s not complied with the ones he got.”

Goldak also said Zakhur’s property is in the South Calumet District that is undergoing redevelopment and the town is planning to erect a monument sign identifying the buildings there.

Posted 2/26/2010